Bhiwandi Hospital Relies On On-Call Gynaecologists For C-Sections

The Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Sub-District Hospital in Bhiwandi has been relying on an on-call arrangement for Caesarean sections due to the lack of a permanently available gynaecologist.

According to the hospital administration, a private specialist is called in on an on-call basis whenever a Caesarean section is required, with the government paying Rs 4,000 for each procedure.

This arrangement was disclosed by IGM Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Madhavi Pandhare during a visit by Bhiwandi MP Suresh Mhatre. Dr Pandhare stated that the hospital did not have a Caesarean facility around two years ago and was introduced with the help of on-call specialists amid a shortage of permanent gynaecologists.

The hospital has a gynaecologist appointed on a contractual basis, but concerns have been raised over the doctor's regular availability for duty. This issue is particularly significant in the maternity department, where timely access to a specialist can be crucial in case of complications during or after delivery.

Another concern is the monitoring of women following Caesarean sections, with patients being kept in the labour ward under the supervision of MBBS doctors after surgery. While routine post-operative monitoring can be undertaken by medical officers, the immediate availability of a specialist is important if a serious complication develops.

Medical emergencies during childbirth can include excessive bleeding, hypertension-related complications, and fetal distress, among other conditions. In such situations, delays in accessing specialist care can complicate treatment.

The IGM Hospital has witnessed visits by elected representatives, including MP Suresh Mhatre and the two local MLAs, who have reviewed the hospital's functioning from time to time. Despite these inspections, however, the shortage of specialist healthcare services remains an issue.

The absence of a permanently available gynaecologist is among the key concerns in the maternity department. The repeated visits have also raised questions over whether the concerns highlighted during inspections are being followed up with concrete measures.

For patients, particularly women from economically weaker sections who depend on the government hospital, access to specialist care remains a key requirement. The hospital administration has stated that it has been seeking the appointment of specialist doctors from the government, but the Caesarean service has continued to operate through an on-call arrangement for nearly two years.

This situation highlights the need for the government to address the shortage of specialist healthcare services in public hospitals, particularly in the maternity department, to ensure that patients receive timely and quality care. The lack of permanent gynaecologists and the reliance on on-call specialists can have serious consequences for patients, and it is essential that the government takes concrete measures to address this issue.

The IGM Hospital's situation is a reflection of the broader challenges faced by public healthcare systems in India, where the shortage of specialist doctors and inadequate infrastructure can compromise the quality of care. It is crucial that the government prioritizes the strengthening of public healthcare systems, including the appointment of specialist doctors and the upgrading of infrastructure, to ensure that patients receive the care they need.

In conclusion, the Bhiwandi IGM Hospital's reliance on on-call gynaecologists for C-Sections raises concerns over maternity care gaps and highlights the need for the government to address the shortage of specialist healthcare services in public hospitals. It is essential that the government takes concrete measures to ensure that patients receive timely and quality care, particularly in the maternity department.

The situation at the IGM Hospital is a call to action for the government to prioritize the strengthening of public healthcare systems and address the shortage of specialist doctors. By doing so, the government can ensure that patients receive the care they need and deserve, and that the public healthcare system is equipped to provide quality care to all those who need it.

Ultimately, the government's response to the situation at the IGM Hospital will be a test of its commitment to strengthening public healthcare systems and ensuring that patients receive quality care. It is essential that the government takes concrete measures to address the shortage of specialist healthcare services and prioritizes the needs of patients, particularly those from economically weaker sections who depend on government hospitals for their healthcare needs.